2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Honda CR-V lies in cargo capacity, where the CR-V offers a substantial 39.3 cu ft compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft, a difference of 7.9 cubic feet. Performance metrics are closely contested; the CR-V leads slightly in horsepower with 190 hp versus the CX-50's 187 hp, although the CX-50 boasts superior torque at 185 lb-ft versus the CR-V's 179 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the CR-V, achieving 30 MPG combined (28/33 City/Highway) compared to the CX-50's 28 MPG combined (25/31 City/Highway). Pricewise, the CX-50 is marginally cheaper at $30,500 versus the CR-V's $30,920. Dimensionally, the CR-V is narrower at 73.5 inches versus 75.6 inches, while the CX-50 is lower at 63.5 inches compared to the CR-V's 66.2 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V is the winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the CX-50's 28 MPG.
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V provides significantly more practicality with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering higher torque output at 185 lb-ft and featuring a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over the CR-V's CVT.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers better entry value with a lower MSRP of $30,500 compared to the CR-V's $30,920.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You prioritize maximum pulling capability, as it produces 185 lb-ft of torque versus 179 lb-ft for the CR-V.
- You prefer the engagement of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT setup.
- You desire the standard all-wheel drive system while maintaining a lower entry price of $30,500.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- You require maximum storage space, benefiting from 39.3 cu ft of cargo volume.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, offering a 30 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance (66.2 inches) and a narrower body (73.5 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 184.8" |
| Width | 75.6" | 73.5" |
| Height | 63.5" | 66.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 28/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 392.0/462.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Honda CR-V.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for long highway commutes?
The 2026 Honda CR-V is more efficient, rated for 33 MPG highway, compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-50's 31 MPG highway rating. This 2 MPG advantage directly impacts annual fuel expenditures for frequent drivers.
How does the standard drivetrain setup differ between the two models?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the 2026 Honda CR-V utilizes front-wheel drive as standard equipment. This makes the CX-50 immediately better equipped for low-traction scenarios.
Is the difference in horsepower significant for daily driving?
The performance difference is minimal; the CR-V has 190 hp compared to the CX-50's 187 hp. However, the CX-50 counters with 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V's 179 lb-ft, potentially affecting low-speed acceleration feel.
What is the primary difference in exterior dimensions?
The Honda CR-V is notably taller at 66.2 inches versus the CX-50's 63.5 inches, which contributes to its higher cargo capacity. Conversely, the CX-50 is wider at 75.6 inches compared to the CR-V’s 73.5 inches.
Which vehicle provides better long-term cost savings based on these specifications?
While the CX-50 has a lower MSRP ($30,500 vs $30,920), the CR-V's 2 MPG combined fuel economy advantage suggests potentially lower running costs over extended ownership periods.
Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?
No, the vehicles utilize different transmission technologies; the CX-50 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, while the CR-V employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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